Urgent Call for Party Leaders’ Commitment on Palestine and Civil Liberties

April 3, 2025

RE: Urgent Call for Party Leaders’ Commitment on Palestine and Civil Liberties

Dear Party Leaders, 

The genocide in Gaza has reached an unfathomable level of horror. Since Israel’s unilateral breach of the ceasefire on March 18, over 1,000 more Palestinians have been killed, bringing the total death toll to more than 50,000 – mostly women and children. Israeli airstrikes continue to level refugee camps, homes, hospitals, and aid convoys, while mass displacement leaves over 1.7 million Palestinians without refuge. Israel’s blockade has caused severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies, pushing thousands to starvation, while hospitals collapse under dwindling resources. Over 50,000 children now suffer from acute malnutrition. Even aid workers are not spared – on March 27, a mass grave was uncovered containing the bodies of eight Palestinian Red Crescent paramedics, five civil defense responders, and one UN worker executed by Israeli forces.  

These atrocities, along with the systematic destruction of infrastructure and indiscriminate killings, constitute grave violations of international law and bear the hallmarks of genocide. UN experts, legal scholars, and human rights organizations have repeatedly condemned Israel’s actions, yet the violence persists. The international community cannot afford to remain complicit.

As leaders of political parties in Canada, your voice on this matter is critical. Silence in the face of mass atrocities and grave violations of international law is not an option. Israel’s actions – widely recognized as war crimes and crimes against humanity – demand an unequivocal response. We call on you to clearly and publicly condemn these egregious human rights violations and affirm Canada’s commitment to justice and accountability. 

This is not just a foreign policy issue: it is a defining moment for Canada’s political leadership. It also has profound domestic implications for civil liberties, freedom of expression, protest rights, and political advocacy. As the government’s stance on Palestine shapes public discourse, many communities, particularly Muslim, Arab, and pro-justice Canadians are witnessing increased restrictions on their rights. Crackdowns on protests, suppression of advocacy, and the chilling effect on political expression raise urgent concerns about Canada’s commitment to democratic freedoms and human rights. 

A party’s stance on Palestine, or lack thereof, signals where they stand on fundamental rights and freedoms at home. It will be a decisive factor for many voters, as failing to take a position is a position in itself. 

The response of Canada’s leaders will not only shape foreign policy but will also define the boundaries of civil liberties, freedom of expression, and political advocacy. We urge all parties to include a clear commitment on Palestine in their platforms, ensuring that Canada’s role aligns with human rights, international law, and the democratic freedoms we uphold at home.

Sincerely,